Today’s Top Pick is a 1978 Varga Aircraft 2150A Kachina.

When was the last time you spotted a Varga 2150 on the ramp? How about a Shinn or a Morrisey?

These are all related, and one can argue that they are the same aircraft whose name changed as it moved from one manufacturer to another. Still, even when you combine all of the versions and evolutions, this is a rare machine.

After checking out some of its thoughtful features, pilots might wonder why this airplane is not more popular.

During the 1950s William Morrisey, an aircraft designer and test pilot, built an airplane called the Morrisey 1000C Nifty. He developed the aircraft into the 2000C before selling the design to Shinn Engineering.

By the late 1960s Shinn had ceased production, and Varga Aircraft acquired the design rights. Over the course of ownership changes the airplane gained power, from a Lycoming O-235 in the beginning to a 150 hp O-320 and finally a 180 hp O-360.

Because it is small and light, the airplane flies well enough on any of the three engines, but the O-360 version is a bit of a muscle car with wings.

Many people will be stumped as they try to identify the Varga, perhaps thinking it is a Grumman Tiger or, from a distance, a Beechcraft T-34 Mentor. That large, airy canopy gives it the look of a military trainer. Indeed, some clever folks call it the poor man’s AT-6.

This 1978 Varga 2150A has 1,810 hours on the airframe and 308 hours since overhaul on its 150 hp Lycoming O-320 engine. The panel includes a Garmin GNX 375, Garmin 795 GPS touchscreen transponder/GPS/moving map with ADS-B In and Out, GTR 225 comm, intercom, and basic analog flight and engine instruments.

Pilots looking for a compact personal aircraft with tandem seating for two and control sticks that give it a sporty, almost fighter-like feel should consider this 1978 Varga 2150 Kachina, which is available for $79,500 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

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• Plane & Pilot: Shinn 2150-A

The post This 1978 Varga 2150A Kachina Is a Rare-but-Reliable ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1977 Piper PA-38 Tomahawk.

Two-seat trainers can make a strong case for pilots thinking about buying an aircraft in which to pursue certificates, ratings, and endorsements.

Such airplanes tend to be economical to acquire and operate while providing valuable flying time for aspiring professional pilots or for those already moving up the commercial ladder. Among budget aircraft, the Tomahawk offers the bonus of stylish, modern looks.

We have met a number of professional pilots over the years who use Tomahawks for time building and pleasure because they find them more enjoyable to fly than other inexpensive trainer models. The Piper’s low-wing design and bubble-like cockpit provide generous visibility compared with high-wing models.

It is also a bit faster than many competing two-seaters, which makes it more attractive to pilots who plan to use it for traveling. While slower than high-performance retractables, the Tomahawk will get you to your destination far quicker than a car and is easy on fuel.

This 1977 Piper Tomahawk has 7,650 hours on the airframe and 2,161 hours on its 112 hp Lycoming O-235 engine, which has a 2,400-hours TBO. The aircraft carries 30 gallons of usable fuel.

The panel features a Garmin GPS 175 WAAS with KI 209 glideslope indicator, dual KX 155 Nav/Comms with ILS, glideslope and VOR, KT 78A transponder, and avionics fan.

Pilots who prefer a low-wing configuration and are looking for an economical two-seat aircraft for training, time building or personal travel should consider this 1977 Piper PA-38 Tomahawk, which is available for $60,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

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• The Aviation Consumer: Piper Tomahawk

The post This 1977 Piper PA-38 Tomahawk Is a Time-Building, Traveling ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.